Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Madhya Pradesh Teachers Seek Written Clarity Over TET Requirement
More than one lakh teachers in Madhya Pradesh are unsure whether they must take a test called TET.
These teachers were hired at different times between 1998 and July 2018.
Many were hired before the test became a required qualification.
They want the government to explain the rules in writing before the examination.
They are worried that taking or passing the test could affect their seniority, pay, pension or earlier service.
They also want to know which date matters for teachers who were later promoted.
A teachers’ association has asked for a list of the affected and exempted groups.
The education commissioner says the department is not forcing anyone to take the test and is following a Supreme Court order to conduct it.
More than one lakh teachers appointed between 1998 and July 2018 are seeking clarification on whether they must take the Teacher Eligibility Test.
The teachers were appointed under different rules, cadres and recruitment systems, including through panchayats and urban local bodies.
They want written assurance that qualifying TET will not affect their past service, seniority, pay, pension or other benefits.
Teachers are also seeking clarity on whether eligibility will depend on their original appointment date or a later promotion date.
Commissioner of Public Instruction Abhishekh Singh said TET is not being forced, while citing a Supreme Court order requiring the examination to be conducted.
- Who
- More than one lakh serving teachers appointed between 1998 and July 2018, the Government Teachers Association, and the Madhya Pradesh School Education Department.
- What
- Teachers are seeking year-wise and cadre-wise written clarification on the applicability and consequences of the Teacher Eligibility Test.
- When
- The teachers were appointed between 1998 and July 2018; the clarification is sought before the TET examination.
- Where
- Madhya Pradesh, with the report datelined Bhopal.
- Why
- They want to know whether TET applies to them and to ensure that their past service, seniority, pay, pension and other benefits are protected.
Teachers’ concerns
Department’s position
Whether written assurances are needed
Teachers’ concerns
Teachers want clear written guidelines and assurances before the examination, including protection for past service and related benefits.
Department’s position
Commissioner of Public Instruction Abhishekh Singh said he could not provide everything the teachers were demanding in writing.
Whether TET is compulsory
Teachers’ concerns
Teachers are seeking clarification because they fear their service status could be questioned if TET is linked to their 2018 appointment.
Department’s position
The commissioner said the department is not forcing anyone to take TET, while stating that the Supreme Court ordered the examination to be conducted.
Basis for determining eligibility
Teachers’ concerns
Teachers argue that those appointed before TET became mandatory should not automatically be treated like later recruits merely because they entered the State Education Service in 2018.
Department’s position
The department has said it is conducting TET in compliance with the Supreme Court order, but the article does not provide a detailed year-wise or cadre-wise rule.
- Affected teachers
- More than one lakh serving teachers
- Appointment period
- 1998 to July 2018
- Requested clarification
- Applicability of TET by appointment year and teacher cadre
- Service concerns
- Past service, seniority, pay, pension and other benefits
- Promotion issue
- Whether eligibility is based on original appointment or promotion date
- Teachers’ association representative
- Upendra Kaushal, acting president of the Government Teachers Association
- Department position
- Commissioner of Public Instruction Abhishekh Singh said TET is not being forced and cited a Supreme Court order to conduct it